Wednesday, October 5, 2016

The Hinds County criminal justice system smiled on Woodrez Davis. Davis is a career criminal who was the subject of a heated argument that took place face to face between Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith. Mayor Fisher asked the District Attorney to prosecute Davis as a habitual offender since he has nine felony convictions. Unfortunately for the Clinton Mayor, such was not to be as Hinds County Circuit Judge Bill Gowan approved a plea deal that dropped the habitual offender classification and only gives Davis a short time in prison.

A Hinds County grand jury indicted Davis on two counts of auto theft and classified him as a habitual offender in January. Davis pleaded guilty last week to two counts of motor theft. Judge Gowan sentenced him to all of seven years in prison but suspended five years of the sentence. He also sentenced him as a non-habitual offender despite his previous nine felony convictions. The indictment states he is classified as a habitual offender but the prisoner commitment notice also states that he is sentenced as a non-habitual offender.

However, the indictment only stated that he had two previous felony convictions. His 2013 indictment for receiving stolen property stated he had nine felony convictions. It is not known why the January indictment omitted his previous felony convictions. JJ reported in April 2015:

When does habitual mean habitual in the Hinds County criminal justice system? Meet Woodrez T. Davis. 9-time felon. His first felony conviction took place in 1999. He was granted parole and released from the custody of MDOC on January 2015. Despite a record of eight felony convictions, Hinds County prosecutors agreed to drop the "habitual offender" designation in a plea bargain with Davis in March 2014. He is currently a suspect in several burglaries in the Clinton area. He is currently in jail for four charges of auto burglary in Hinds County.

A Hinds County grand jury indicted Davis for possessing and receiving stolen property in January 2013. The indictment listed these felony convictions:

However, the District Attorney's office agreed to drop habitual status for Davis. The prosecutor also agreed not to revoke his probation for his 2010 conviction. Davis would have been sentenced to the maximum sentence and had to serve day for day of the sentence if he was convicted as a habitual offender.* Earlier post.

This convict will probably only have to serve 25% of his sentence. Thus he will probably be back out on the street to do what he loves to do within six months.

However, Davis was charged with nine (yes, nine) counts of auto burglary by Raymond police as well. There are no indictments for the charges. Raymond Police Chief Jason Crotwell said none of his officers were called to testify before the grand jury on those charges. It appears there is no prosecution of Davis for those charges.

Kingfish note: There is no excuse for this sentencing by Judge Gowan. Davis is a career criminal and a perfect candidate for habitual offender status. However, Gowan let him off of the hook again and Hinds County residents will have one more reason to fear crime in six months. It must also be asked why the indictment did not mention all of his felony convictions as an earlier one did. Make no mistake, this is a complete failure of the Hinds County criminal justice system and a perfect example of the catch & release program. MDWFP would be proud.

Then there is the matter of the Raymond charges. Needless to say, Chief Crotwell sounded very frustrated as he discussed this case.

Who can forget this food fight between the Mayor and District Attorney. The Mayor point blank asked the District Attorney to prosecute Davis as a habitual offender. His plea apparently went for naught. Earlier post with video.

The officials in the judicial system are doing exactly what they know the majority of the voters want them to do. Can't be too hard on that man. He's a victim of the system where the white man is keeping him down, and he's just trying to make it.

the post and the comments all assume that the evidence was strong to prove both cases. I don't know either, but the plea deal screams weak evidence to me. but hey, why pass up a good opportunity to second guess and blast the system?

everyone needs to know that law enforcement in Hinds County is weak and inefficient. prosecutors are constantly asked to make bricks without straw.

@ 1:41 - you must have left your reading comprehension skills at home today. Please note: This guy had 9 felony CONVICTIONS. That's CONVICTIONS, not accusations or even indictments...but CONVICTIONS. How much stronger evidence do you need???

It's fascinating that GoldFish can criticize Judge Gowan for this sentencing without even knowing the facts of the case. Were there viable defenses? Was the case against the defendant strong? Were there other factors in the criminal discovery that made this sentence appropriate? Maybe it was a screwed up plea deal but without knowing all the facts how can the "reporter" or anyone else be sure?

2:06 my reading skills are fine. are yours? nine prior convictions aren't part of the evidence in these two new cases. forensics, witnesses, and physical evidence is required. the prior convictions can be admissible under limited circumstances that a smart defense attorney eliminates. IF the First District jury convicts after a trial, THEN the nine convictions become relevant for the Judge in deciding on a punishment. That decision is taken away from the Judge if the State proves nine priors because the law then REQUIRES that the defendant get the maximum statutory time OR, if a violent habitual offender, LIFE without parole or other early release.

now review this post to make sure you read correctly before you make another idiotic post...

Great idea @5:23. Sometimes I think the judges are criminal in their behavior by turning these thugs loose on society time and time again. I don't like my tax dollars giving these low life criminals a bed and three squares any more than the next guy, but some people just don't belong on the streets. Lock 'em up, PLEASE!

Bill Gowan is a white male, mid 70s, grey hair that is either a wig or greatly in need of a cut. He stands stooped and around 6 ft. at appx. 195lbs. South Jackson type. Buddies with Mac, Peters, Bluntson and that ole crew. He therefore supports RSS and company. You get the picture. He has made his living on the backs of the taxpayers and all that comes with a little power, i.e. medium sized fish in a small pond.

@2:24, strong enough evidence or not. If you're able to "possibly" get felony charges brought against you 11 times, there is no way your ass is in any way innocent. That's like saying you were in 11 wrecks but your driving history is impeccable and it was always the other persons fault. Where there's smoke, there's fire and 11 convictions means you're a piece of trash. I could care less about any other details.

9:18, no one is saying this guy is innocent. we can agree that he is a thug whose only activity is being a criminal.

but you seem pretty dense to lack the understanding that each crime charges have elements that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and the criminal history is NOT one of those elements. criminal history is almost never heard by a jury. the state has to go forward with the proof; if that proof is weak, the prosecutor has to decide if a conviction and some jail time is better that risking an acquittal, a common result in the First Judicial District of Hinds County. the defendant has to assess the risk of going to trial and maybe getting convicted and getting maxed out because of the criminal history, or getting sent away as an habitual offender. your childish assumption that because of a long criminal history, a conviction is almost automatic, is laughable to anyone that has actually toiled in the Hinds criminal justice system, prosecutor or defense counsel. I understand the frustration and agree the system sucks in Hinds County. but attempting to lay the blame on just judges, or just prosecutors, or just police won't change anything. in my opinion, nothing is going to change and Jackson is the south's Detroit.

They've pleaded cases out just like this for time served where the defendant was a habitual and it had zero to do with the evidence. It's a pattern. RSS needs to resign if he gives a a damn about this hellhole of a city.

Judges like this need to find a new job more in their line of thought. Maybe something in the Library. They have no place in law enforcement. We need new judges that know and understand the law. Judges that want to protect the crime victims instead of the criminals.

No, 10:07 I am not ignorant. I know how it works, but if you've been accused that many time, you need to have your ass locked up for good. I know the legal system doesn't allow for common sense judgment, but in my opinion it should. If you get accused and charged of sexual harassment 11 times, you should be locked up for such.

1007, all true but the question to me is dropping the habitual in accepting this plea. His history does count there; that's the definition of habitual. RSS made sure it wasn't a part of the plea so that he could stick his finger in Fishers eye. Gowan shouldn't have accepted that part. If these charges, with his history isn't habitual we don't need that in the code.

@1:16...in response to question "What is wrong with our judicial system? Serious question. Why will they not work with law enforcement and government officials?" the answer is they can't. Out tripartite system comprises an Executive Branch, a Legislative Branch, and a Judicial Branch. Each has a distinct function and the function of a Judge is not to sit as a prosecutor nor is to police our streets, nor is it to rewrite the statutes. A Judge must remain fair and impartial in his deliberations and stay within the scope of his branch of government. Judge William Gowan is a well-reasoned and learned Judge who exercises great care is seeing that his Court operates within the very fundamental mandates the Constitution, giving both the State and the Defendant an opportunity to present their case to the Court. When the State's case cannot and does not support the allegations in an indictment, the Judge cannot speculate as to facts that are not before him, nor can he punish a Defendant for things that have not have happened. The fact that a person comes before the Court as an habitual has little if anything to do with the underlying facts and charges of the indictment that is the subject of the plea. The alternative is take every case to trial including this one, get NOT GUILTY and release the Defendant at a huge cost to the taxpayers. Compromise is the only way to efficiently manage the Hinds County dockets given the sheer size of the caseloads. That being said, Judge Gowan does an exemplary job on the bench.

Gowan is a hack and everyone knows it. Any honest judge that cares about the public would have sent this habitual criminal away for a long time. He didn't. That is all there is to it and making excuses will not help.

This boy needs a chance at rehab. Chris Epps put all kinds of programs in place to help the weekend-offender like this boy. Get off his back! Who knows....he might one day be a project manager in the City of Jackson. With a GED he could serve on the Airport Board. He could run papers across town for Ben Allen. Y'all too quick to judge and slow to recognize latent talent. That's all I got to say.

@4:32...your intelligent comment lets us know 1 of 2 things...you are either stupid (in which case there is no cure) or you are ignorant ... In which case you need to go to college, graduate with a GPA that will get you into law school, then go to law school and graduate... then take the bar exam and actually pass the bar... Then you can comment on what real lawyers do.... Otherwise you need to just go home and be quiet

10:21, go home and shut up is what most of the people left in Jackson already do. They do not have any other choice. Law enforcement in Jackson is a joke, a bad joke. Expecting them to do their job is called racist.

You do not have to go to law school to know someone is a crook. Their actions will tell this to anyone with common sense.

Let me guess, you are part of the system. You just hope everyone will go home and shut up so they will not notice the piss poor job you are doing.

10:21, you are spot-on! I suppose 4:32 can hit a curveball too. And score 10 under par at the Masters. And kick a 75 yard field goal to win the Super Bowl.

Some people have.no idea.what they are.talking about. The frustration is appropriate, but 4:32's solution just doesn't take account hoe the law actually works. But, vitriol and angst sometimes triumph over lack of k owledge

More of a reason to be armed while in Hinds County. Catch this piece of trash stealing from you? Put a couple rounds in him and make it so that we don't have to worry about the thieves and thugs anymore. If more people in Hinds County started killing these criminals then there would be less criminals.

Who is the Hottest Reporter in Jackson?

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything). Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up. In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!